Suica Card Japan Guide

Suica vs Pasmo vs IC Cards

Japan has multiple IC card systems — Suica (JR East), Pasmo (Tokyo Metro), Icoca (JR West), Manaca (Nagoya) and others. The good news: they all work interchangeably on trains and buses across Japan. It doesn’t matter which one you get.

Recommendation: Get a Suica. It’s the most widely accepted nationwide and can be loaded onto your iPhone or Android as a digital card.

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How to Get a Suica Card

Option 1: Physical Suica at the Airport

Available at JR ticket machines in:

• Narita Airport (all terminals)
• Haneda Airport (international and domestic terminals)
• Kansai International Airport

Cost: ¥500 deposit + initial charge (minimum ¥1,000 recommended).

Steps:

1. Find a JR ticket machine (green machines at Narita/Haneda)
2. Select English
3. Select “Suica” or “IC card”
4. Choose initial load amount (¥1,000, ¥2,000, etc.)
5. Pay cash or credit card
6. Collect card

Option 2: Digital Suica on iPhone or Android

Since 2021, foreign-issued Mastercard and Visa cards work with Apple Pay and Google Pay Suica.

iPhone: Wallet app → Add Card → Suica. Works immediately, no setup fee, no ¥500 deposit.

Android: Google Pay → Add card → Suica (in Japan, or use a Japanese Google account).

Digital Suica is the best option — no deposit, add money instantly with your credit card, never forget it at the hotel.

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How to Load (Charge) Your Suica

• Train station machines: Any JR ticket machine or green machine. Cash only at machines.
• Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson — tell the cashier “charge Suica” (suica ni charge onegaishimasu)
• Digital Suica: Via Apple Pay or Google Pay using your credit card, instantly

How much to load: Start with ¥3,000–5,000. A single Tokyo train journey costs ¥160–380. Daily transport costs ¥500–1,200 depending on your movements.

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Where Can You Use Suica?

• All JR trains nationwide
• Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway
• Most buses in major cities
• Station coin lockers
• 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, Ministop
• Vending machines (most of them)
• Many restaurants and cafes
• Some taxis
• Certain McDonald’s and other fast food chains

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Can You Use Suica on the Shinkansen?

You can use Suica to pay for unreserved seats on some Shinkansen routes. For reserved seats on most Shinkansen routes, you need a separate ticket or the Japan Rail Pass.

For the Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka route on the Tokaido Shinkansen, Suica alone is not accepted — you need a JR Pass or separate tickets.

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Getting Your Deposit Back

The ¥500 deposit is refundable. Return your physical Suica at any JR ticket office (みどりの窓口 / Midori-no-madoguchi) before leaving Japan. You’ll also get any remaining balance back (minus a ¥220 handling fee).

Digital Suica has no deposit to refund. Remaining balance can be transferred to a new Suica in future.

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Related Guides

• Japan entry requirements
• Japan rail pass guide
• How to get around Japan
• Japan itinerary 2 weeks